convert square yards to tons

convert square yards to tons

06-11-2008, 11:34 AM

I'm trying to convert 10,000 sy to tons. The material is crushed granite with density of 103lbs/cubic ft. I know I can't convert SY to CY, but trying to figure it in a different way. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I'm trying to convert 10,000 sy to tons. The material is crushed granite with density of 103lbs/cubic ft. I know I can't convert SY to CY, but trying to figure it in a different way. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Are you trying to cover an area of 10000 sq yds? There needs to be a thickness of coverage that you want, then you can calculate cubic yards. Once you have volume (in either cubic yards or cubic feet) you can use your density above for conversion.

If you have thickness in inches, 36 inches = 3 feet = 1 yard. Divide inches of thickness by 36 to get yards, multiply by square yards of area.

If you have volume in cubic yards, there are 27 ft³/yd³, so the 103 lb/ft³ density is 2781 lb/yd³

Comment

I am trying to bid a gov't job and the 10,000 sy is an estimate. I can figure cy by the RS Means book but needing to bid in sy. I'm losing my mind on how to figure a way to convert. I'm attempting to use old jobs to make sense of how to bid this. For example:
12'x24'x1' / 27 = 10.7 cy plus 30% compaction 3.21cy = 13.91cy
12'x24'x 103lbs/cu. ft. =14.83 tons plus 30% compaction 4.45 tons = 29.28 tons.
I just can't figure a way to convert these numbers to square yards!?!?!
The material is crushed granite with a density of 103 lbs/cu. ft.

Comment

Like John said, you need a depth to convert to cy. If you're making a gravel drive or lot, let's say 4 inches (1/9th yard) that means that your 10,000 sy is actually about 1100 cy. at 103 lb per cubic foot, you're looking at about 1550 tons.

keep the 1550 in mind now. Depending on what you're driving over the gravel, you may need to upgrade to a 6", 8", or even 12" thickness. To do that, just multiply the 1550 by 1.5, 2, or 3 respectively.

Also keep in mind that if you're watering and compacting the granite after it's laid, you'll lose depth (increase density). plan on losing about a third of your depth if you're compacting it. Let's say you want a final thickness of 4", you'll need to lay 6", so calculate your tonnage based on the 6" thickness.